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September 30, 2007
The Nelson Plan: Taking a Closer Look
John Nelson is running for First Selectman here in Fairfield. He recently came out with his platform and with some eight weeks to go, I figure it’s time to give it a little scrutiny. After all, his supporters have already misidentified information in their letters to the local papers in addition to having to go so far as to fabricate letter writers’ names. I hate when they go negative and the town Republicans do it every season but since it’s started earlier than usual, I figure it’s time to speak up a bit.
This will be a bit long, but by all means if you live in town, give it a read. If you don’t, we’ll talk about other stuff tomorrow.
Town Plan
John said, “As required by state statute, the only plan that currently exists was done seven years ago in 2000 by the Town Plan and Zoning Commission. It was never intended to address many of the most important issues that have occurred within the last five years, differences in Fairfield’s neighborhoods, changes in the environment, the significant influx of school children and the housing and commercial development boom, thus leaving us driving without a road map.
“Because we do not have a comprehensive plan, for development, groups of residents must spend their own money for legal fees and rise to their own neighborhood’s defense when threatened by inappropriate development proposals.”
Actually, the town has several different multi-year plans which get constantly updated. And the Board of Education also has multi-years plans for technology, maintenance and curriculum. Now that John mentions it, the taxpayers might benefit if the same cycle was applied to both sides so we could seek cost-saving initiatives.
Economic Development
John said, “Developers have too much freedom to decide what will be built and too little responsibility for their impacts on traffic, sewers, conservation, and town character. What we end up with in some cases are houses that are simply too big for their neighborhood, or too many banks and chain stores and not enough community oriented shops.”
Actually, the developers build according to what zoning allows. If there’s a real issue, it should be directed at Town Planning & Zoning and you can make your vote count by electing people who share your ideals for what Fairfield should be. The current set of zoning regulations up for discussion is a perfect example of democracy in action.
John said, “However, we must reorganize, streamlining our internal land use process by reorganizing engineering, planning and conservation.”
Reorganize how, I wonder? What magical solutions does he expect to find?
Budget and Finance
John says, “Over the past five years we have seen Fairfield’s surplus cash decline from $8 million to $6 million, even with a 51% increase in our tax burden. We have spent down the town retirement medical insurance fund from $6 million to $3 million and have set aside $0 towards, $55 million in future liabilities.”
Actually, the town upgraded its surplus this year to 3.9%, well within the 3-5% the bond rating agencies like to see. And as the town pays down bonds, we can look for this number to rise. The town is also putting into place some cutting edge plans for retirement plans dictated by state law.
I’m disappointed by my fellow residents seeing we have a surplus and immediately want to use it without understanding why we need it.
Education
John says, “Tomlinson Middle School incurred $2 million in cost overruns.”
He’s right. The overrun there caused the RTM to investigate and as a result, the town and Board of Education now have better systems in place. Of course, the other building projects were completed under budget and we wound up not using all of our bonding authority which saved everyone money.
In fact, the RTM reduced the budget on the project by more than $2 million at the urging of the First Selectman, in an effort to rein in costs and encourage value engineering. A number of cost savings were found and the town saved several hundred thousand dollars. Ultimately, much of the initial reduction was restored via the "day one" list.
John said, “This year alone, the student enrollment forecast was too low, missing by over 250 new students, creating even more space problems.”
Actually, the Board of Education has yet to release their final tally for this year’s enrollment so John’s numbers are guesswork. However, we recognize that for several years running, the estimates have been wrong and Ken will be working with Ann Clark, the superintendent, to improve the prognostication process for smarter budgeting.
Yes, space is an issue but it’s something the Board of Education has to contend with, not the First Selectman. Here’s a chance for voters to put people into office who may finally address these issues without causing fear and panic among the parents.
John says, “Stratfield Elementary School is starting inexpensive and low quality renovations that will save money in the short run but cost us far more in the long run.”
Actually, a building committee for Stratfield has not even been formed as yet so no renovations beyond routine maintenance is occurring. The committee will be formed shortly once the specifications are completed.
Senior Services
John says, “The current senior tax relief program is difficult to understand, difficult to administer and helps only a small portion of Fairfield’s senior population. Our seniors question every day whether the current senior center on Mona Terrace will be here in ten years.”
Actually, our RTM Moderator asked the party leaderships in June of 2006 to appoint members of the Tax Relief review committee. Democrats were named by the 4th of July, while the Republicans didn't appoint their members until after Labor Day. With a December 31 sunset provision, that left insufficient time to make substantive changes and improvements. If the seniors find the rules complicated, they can address their concerns to their Republican representatives and ask what took so long.
The reason we don't have greater participation is that a lot of the seniors just don't want a lien on their homes. Does John propose doing away with the lien?
Actually, we also haven’t heard concerns raised about the Senior Center and as of today, there’s no reason to think the Senior Center won’t be here for the foreseeable future.
Open Space and Environment
John said, “No Swimming pool at Turner Army Reserve Center.”
Actually, once the committee was formed, it fell under Federal guidelines and the First Selectman has no authority to say what will or will not be put in that space. The committee’s final recommendations have yet to be made.
John said, “Alternative energy is the future. We will position Fairfield on the leading edge by increasing tax incentives to citizens and businesses that go Green.”
Fairfield is already leaning green as it continues to encourage citizens to sign up for United Illuminating’s clean energy plan that nets the town a free solar panel for each hundred home signed up. Two of our middle schools are already enjoying those benefits. Similarly, the town has worked with Laidlaw for clean-energy buses to keep fumes from affecting our children.
Committees and citizen’s groups have been formed to look into other ways the town can get even greener.
The Quality of Life and Civility
John said, “Our roads ought to be paved at a rate of 14 miles per year in order to completely repave every road every 15 years. However, for the last six years the Town has paved only 7.5 miles per year, meaning the roads you travel will be paved only once every 30 years. Additionally, petroleum costs have increased by nearly 40%, which means that the work we have postponed will cost us substantially more.”
He’s right. During some tough budget years, money set aside for paving was reduced. Coupled with the rise in cost of materials, it’s now an issue to be addressed. In the current town budget, increased funds were dedicated for town paving as we attempt to catch up.
John said, “Identify creative commuter parking alternatives to solve our downtown parking congestion.”
As a town representative, I’m all ears and interested to hear these creative ideas. We’re working with all facets of the community to find any useful suggestion so if John has something to offer, let him speak up.
Posted by Bob Greenberger at 10:31 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Fifteen Years Ago
Fifteen years ago this weekend we made the move to Fairfield. As we’ve been fixing up rooms in the house, essentially swapping spaces for Deb’s home office, I’ve been thinking back to that time and what’s come after.
We chose to leave family and friends on Long Island, seeking more space and better schools in Connecticut. Deb’s brother Jim was living up here at the time and we hadn’t visited him in Fairfield so we took a trip. As we got off the highway and drove around, we were taken with the area. One looked at the other and asked, “Why are staying on Long Island?”
In 1992, Connecticut was essentially where it is now, experiencing an awful housing slowdown with prices tumbling. It was a great time to buy, we were told. We came back two weeks later, this would be the July 4 weekend I believe, and Jim’s then-wife Margaret took use around to show us the different neighborhoods and give us a better sense of the community. She wasn’t a realtor yet, but when she made the career switch, we weren’t surprised – she was good at it. Margaret set us up with a real realtor and we came back a couple of times and saw numerous homes.
The one we’re in is among the first we saw and while it was the same style as many others, there was something about the block, the oversized lot, the shape of the home that appealed to us. At the time, we had a nanny help us with the kids so we needed at least four bedrooms and a space that could function as my home office so our needs were pretty specific. In the end, we kept circling back to this house and the price had already come down once and was within reach.
At the end of July, we were in Stamford visiting with family when Deb slipped away for a few hours to take one final look at the house, which was being showcased during an Open House. They even lowered the price a second time. Thirty-six hours later, we had a deal.
The trick then was to get us in the house before school began since Kate was starting first grade. Well, that wasn’t going to happen as the guy buying our house had delays (a story for another time). Jim and Margaret offered to host Kate, letting her start school on schedule until we moved a few weeks later. For the most part that worked, as Deb would collect her every Friday so she’d be with us for the weekend, and take her back late Sunday afternoon. We spoke every day. We thought she was handling it fine until we heard she was having a series of clumsy moments -- something that happens when she’s stressed. And then there was the morning she couldn’t open one eye because it swelled up thanks to a bug bite. Nonetheless, she attended class and managed.
Movers came and helped us pack up. Deb had gone up a day or two before to supervise a cleaning crew to get the house ready. Stuff was driven up on Saturday as the movers loaded the truck. Deb took Robbie up with the pets while I and Bonnie the nanny made sure everything was moved out then left the house “broom clean.” We then drove to Connecticut, leaving “home” behind.
And then the skies opened up. So, the movers unloaded in the pouring rain so the nice, clean house was strewn with mud. Items intended for the basement was loaded in the Living Room floor to ceiling (I had a lot of comics and books, as you might imagine). Kate spent a lot of time in the bathroom, keeping the cat and dog calm. Of course, we saw to it they had beds ready to sleep on and everything else would be settled on Monday. Jim and Margaret came by to help and friends of theirs joined us, bringing us take out from a local Mexican restaurant so our first dinner in our new home was spent eating atop the coffee table in the Family Room, watching the white carpet turn gray and brown.
It wasn’t all that long before we got things unpacked and found new routines. Kate stopped being clumsy and the dog, Spooky, loved the backyard. The home office was pretty much done by New Year’s and we welcomed 1993 feeling we truly had home. While the kids originally complained they would miss Lynbrook, they came to see Fairfield as their home town. We slowly got involved in the community, first through school, then through the church and of course, now, public service.
We’ve experienced a lot here, and I don’t doubt for one moment we did the right thing for the family. We still love it here and haven’t changed our opinion that this is the house we want to stay in until they carry us both out in some far-distant time.
Posted by Bob Greenberger at 10:17 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
September 28, 2007
Also...
Just got a note that an interview I conducted with MilSciFi is now live. Interestingly, they have a very broad definition of Military Science Fiction and include Star Trek. I've done very little real Military Sci-Fi but think the piece turned out fine and hope some people discover me through this.
Posted by Bob Greenberger at 11:39 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Out this Week
My output is not all that voluminous so I’m always surprised when things get released simultaneously.
This week, in comic shops everywhere, is Marvel Spotlight featuring my interview with Walt Simonson, discussing his time on Thor. The layout is attractive and I think we covered some stuff that hasn’t previously been mined.
Also out this week, at long, long last, is Predator: Flesh & Blood, my collaboration with Mike Friedman.
Meantime, I await word from Zorro Productions to see if my contribution is acceptable and yesterday I completed the first draft of my entry in the Star Trek: The Next Generation – Slings and Arrows eBook miniseries.
Posted by Bob Greenberger at 10:22 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
September 27, 2007
Tipping the Cap Towards the Bronx
I’ve been saying this for a while now…the Yankees have been playing like winners for about two months now.
Their efforts paid off as last night they won the Wild Card and still challenge Boston with four games left.
To come back from playing punch drunk and 14.5 games back in late May to win is a major accomplishment. I’m not a fan of the team, but boy, do I respect them.
Their win came as my guys, the hapless Mets, play as if they don’t want to win the NL East. Heck, at this rate, they may miss the post-season entirely if they fall to Philly. Considering the Nationals and Marlins have largely sucked this season, the Mets should have tuned up against them rather than folding like a Class A team.
I appreciate the hitting surge the last two weeks but it’s pointless when both the starters and relievers can’t seem to find consistency. Watching has becoming painful so I’m pleased it’s premiere week on prime time so I’m distracted.
These next four days will either be euphoric or depressing. Probably both, knowing my guys.
Posted by Bob Greenberger at 10:08 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 25, 2007
At Long Last, the Vote was Taken
It passed. The vote was close, 21-19-1, but the Demolition Delay ordinance passed at last night’s RTM meeting.
Going into the caucus last night, I still felt there wasn’t enough interest or passion for the ordinance despite Standing Committee votes showing it was close. As we discussed it, I still could sense it wasn’t going to happen. Still, as chairman of the Special Committee I needed to kick off the discussion during the main meeting.
We zipped through items 3-9 by virtue of they’re being on the consent calendar so it was merely 8:10 and the main event was upon us. I took the microphone and tried to sum up the last 14 months. The one thing I did differently was frame the conversation as asking the RTM to show leadership, by acting on behalf of the people who have made it clear they are unhappy with oversized homes and the changing character of the town. This was the one thing we could do and it could occur while the Planning & Zoning committee was also reviewing new regulations. Together, they might actually benefit the town.
The others, who came out for and against it, mostly echoed the comments they had made in the past. Ken Camarro, a realtor with a zeal for property owner’s rights, made his most impassioned plea against it although many of his claims were based on fear not on the facts. The usual supporters, FPLAN, were late to the party and didn’t get to speak.
The roll call vote was taken and Doug Jones, our Majority Leader, bet me a drink it would pass. And it did. Now, had all 50 of us been present, it might have gone differently, who knows? Still, it passed and our efforts for the last year were not in vain.
Now, was it the best Demo Delay ordinance in New England? No. Is it all it could have been for Fairfield? No. But, it gets us started and it certainly raised the level of debate over preservation in town which has to count for something.
The item was splashed across the top of page in today’s Connecticut Post which also caught me by surprise.
Now it’s back to the campaign trail so I can get re-elected for a second term.
Posted by Bob Greenberger at 09:42 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 24, 2007
Notes from the Jury Room
Jury Duty is something few actively want to do but is something everyone should experience once. I have been called repeatedly but actually served once, four years ago. I was called once again and went in today.
After sitting around reading for a few hours, a group of us were called to one court room. We were told about the case, a criminal one, and then the state’s attorney and public defender each read off a list of names of people affiliated with their offices or the case on the off chance we knew someone. We were told the probable dates of the trial and then sent into the jury room.
One by one, we were called in for the voire dire, the questioning by both attorneys as they try and fill out a jury who can be objective. The process seemed to be dragging on so we were kicked for lunch about 12:50 and told to report back by 2.
Around 2:40, I got my turn in the witness chair and got grilled for a good twenty minutes. The fact that I served just four years previous, also on a criminal case (in the very next courtroom as it turns out), probably led one or both attorneys to dismiss me. (In the same world department, the state attorney started studying at SUNY-Binghamton the year after I graduated.)
That previous case was on my mind so I dug out the essay behind the cut. The case ended, I went home emotionally drained but Deb and the kids were out. I didn’t like being alone so wrote this and shared it with some friends. I present it once again, for a larger audience, for those interested.
Just a few hours ago, I pronounced a man guilty of murder.
With Kate and Deb in the city and Robbie at play rehearsal, I don't really have anyone to talk with so I turn to the group mind.
Today was the eleventh and final day of a trial scheduled for seven days.
It's been scattered over the last three weeks and a part of me is having trouble dealing with it being over and what we did.
The long and short of it is 19-year-old Charlie Santiago was washing his car at Bridgeport's PT Barnum project around noon, March 12, 1993. Four or more youths approached him, brandished guns and robbed him. They also stole his car. We were asked to judge whether or not Charlie was the man who fired the shots that killed the driver, John Barnes.
We were dealing with every strata of society from the prosecutor's police officers, detectives and medical examiner. She also had expert ballistics people speak, including one who was one of the three who re-examined the shooting of Martin Luther King. She had a reverend and social worker and a parent from the project.
The defense attorney had people who lived at the project, two of whom were convicts brought in to talk to us from prison. He had one man suffering from dementia, asserting he can recall events from 10 years ago, but couldn't tell us what he had for breakfast. He had a Cable installer who should be a linebacker for the Giants. He had the defendant, now 29, and a product of a low socio-economic upbringing.
We waded through the grueling testimony complicated by the fact that this was the third time the case was being tried. Charlie, we learned after the case ended, was convicted of the crime in 1995 and served 5 years. The appeal affirmed the decision. His attorney came up with new witnesses and convinced a judge Charlie deserved a new trial. The 2002 trial ended with a hung jury so here we were again.
Sitting in the jury box, it was a fascinating experience as bits and pieces of the puzzle emerged through careful questioning. Only through testimony did it become clear there were previous trials. We began to understand the importance of the location of concrete islands in the street that bisected the project.
Sitting in the jury box, we learned about the rough life in the projects, the code of silence so you do not receive retribution. We became mini-experts in bullets with six lands and grooves with a right hand twist, only found in a mini-Ruger semi-automatic rifle, built here in Southport, CT.
Sitting in the jury room, we bonded for hours on end. We had no idea what was going on in the court room, but we got to know one another from the grandmother working fulltime at the supermarket to the UConn freshman who plays on their soccer team. After a few days, the food began rolling in. We baked, we shared, and we laughed a lot. Our 12 jurors and 4 alternates dwindled as one was excused when his wife went into labor early and another had a child care issue.
It's nothing like The Practice or any legal movie you've ever seen. Our good- natured judge had a raspy voice and periodically interjected limiting instructions based on testimony we were about to hear. The defense attorney was an animated man in his late fifties who has been involved in the case since the first day when Charlie called him before he called the police to report the car robbery. Our prosecutor was an intense woman in her late thirties with bags under her eyes and hesitated between almost every question.
We were endlessly taken through a map of the project as each person had to identify the project, then where in the project they were, what they saw and what they heard. Prior testimony was brought out during cross examinations, seeking inconsistencies, and then pounded again and again. There were endless objections and more sidebars than you could possibly imagine.
Finally, Thursday morning we heard the closing remarks and both did superb jobs. Our instructions were read to us, taking an hour and quarter, as we got into the legal definitions of murder, manslaughter I, manslaughter II, self defense, intent, etc.
And at 3:15 yesterday, we finally got the case. For the first time since June 9, the 12 jurors were allowed to discuss the case. Almost immediately, I was elected foreman and then we all had our say. The exhibits--dozens of photos, various maps, bullet casings, bullet fragments, a handgun, and written statements were given to us. As foreman, I was letting everyone have their say, maintaining some order. Anything we needed had to be in writing, signed and dated by me and then we knocked on the door and a Marshall came and collected it.
Finally, we could sit and sift through it all and ask ourselves: were there two rifles or one? Were there five attackers or four? Did they all wear masks, did they all have guns? If the defendant fought for a rifle by building five, then why were the only bullet shells found at building six.
Did the reverend really see someone hand a rifle to a light skinned man, who was not the defendant? And on and on.
Our first request was to begin deliberating at 9 Friday morning rather than the usual 10 a.m. start of court. We hashed through everything for an hour and then called it a day since two people had commitments.
Today we started at 9 and spent an hour and a half or so rehearing the defendant’s testimony. Another hour or so of debate and then we filed out to have the judge reread the definitions. By lunch time, 7 of us were ready to vote guilty of murder.
After lunch, we really got into a grind. Those who felt manslaughter was the more appropriate verdict seemed as intransigent as the other 7. We then reviewed the definitions among ourselves and began limiting things. We decided to reject most of the conflicting testimony since no one eyewitness was 100 percent flawless. We limited ourselves to physical evidence. We also used the judge's instructions as our guide.
We had to first deal with murder before even thinking about manslaughter. We kept arguing did his actions show intent, required in murder, or extreme indifference to human life, which was manslaughter. As we reheard the statement the defendant gave the day of the incident, we dissected it word for word, matching it against the testimony we heard this week. We matched his words against the physical evidence of where the 19 shots struck the retreating car.
One woman couldn't get past the emotional issue, and needed us to persuade her. And we ground away at her as one doubter after another finally fell into place. We asked the judge to extend past 5, till 5:30, and we were given permission.
She needed us to push her and one woman who works at a VA Hospital talked about psychological reasonings behind his actions while a woman from an insurance firm discussed how she needs to get past the emotions regarding sick people and seeing if they did or did not qualify for an insurance payment.
Both wore away at our final doubter.
At 5:20, I took a final vote and she ducked her head and raised her hand. We had a verdict.
Our UConn student said that at 21, this was the hardest decision of her life.
As we got used to the notion that we were united, we all felt horrible for Charlie, a poorly educated man who just wanted to wash his car. I hadn't been that emotionally involved in something in a long, long time.
Minutes later, we were brought out to the courtroom and it was filled. Extra attorneys, the defendant’s wife, our two remaining alternates and so on. We were called out by name, and we rose and said "here". I had to identify myself as foreman. The clerk read the charge and asked how we found the defendant.
Staring at the clerks, fighting a tremble in my stomach and my legs, I said, "guilty". The judge asked if we were unanimous in the decision and twelve voices said, "Yes". And it was done.
We were excused back into the jury room and people cried. A few minutes later, the judge and clerk entered. The judge had his robe off and he said he wanted to speak to us if we had a few minutes. He then gave us the background that I mentioned above. He covered some of the legal issues and challenges that caused us to cool our heels in the jury room. He took questions and we found out that some of the key players we never heard from, had vanished including one into federal witness protection. He was calm and pleasant and took every question we had.
Charlie Santiago will be sentenced in a few weeks but will start with 20 years and possibly get more. He will be credited for the five years already served and will be eligible for parole after some 85% of the sentence has been served. As he goes back to jail, he leaves behind his wife and three children.
Justice was served. A very difficult job is over.
I'm just not feeling terribly happy about it.
Posted by Bob Greenberger at 04:57 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
September 21, 2007
The Magic Number is 9
It was about 10:45 last night when the phone rang. Deb answered it and on the other end was Peter David, lamenting the tenth inning of the Mets game. We of course, turned it off after the top of the ninth, with the Mets leading 7-4, figuring the bullpen could easily get three outs.
Not so. The bullpen, sans Billy Wagner, gave up the runs and then lost it in the tenth.
I’ve been bitching about the bullpen for a while now, lamenting that Omar Minaya did not go out and upgrade the pen before rosters for post-season eligibility were locked. However, Matthew Cerrone at the wonderful Mets blog noted the following, “Over the last five games, during which the Mets are 1–4, the starting pitchers have allowed 60 percent of the 43 runs scored against the Mets.”
So, while the bullpen has proven unreliable from top to bottom, the starting rotation has not been that much better. Losing El Duque to a sore foot right about now may prove fatal since his replacement, Brian Lawrence, pitched so poorly he was released the following morning. Instead, your starters for the remaining week-plus of the season consist of Pedro Martinez, Tom Glavine, John Maine, Mike Pelfrey and Oliver Perez.
Martinez has been terrific in his return from surgery but he’s still building up stamina and needs to be watched. Glavine is reliable but prone to big innings. Maine has rebounded from a dreadful mid-season and is cause for hope. Pelfrey was 0-7 earning himself a demotion but 3-0 since his return so which Pelfrey is the real one? Perez remains maddeningly inconsistent. They each need to pitch like the stopper, the ace who can hold a lead and shut down the opposition.
After all, we’re talking about the Marlins and Nationals – teams that are out of contention and looking beat one another to avoid ending the season in the basement. They are energized to play spoiler and won’t go down easily but still remain beatable.
Sandwiched in between is one game with the Cardinals, a makeup game that needs to be played.
Unfortunately, by squandering a chance to end the Phillies’ hopes over the past week, each game has to use the regulars rather than rest them all before the post-season begins. It means guys who could benefit the most from a break – David Wright, Jose Reyes, Paul LoDuca and Carlos Beltran – have to grind it out. The only one to be sort of rest is Carlos Delgado given his two week layoff given an injury.
It also means the younger arms in the bullpen won’t get the majority of opportunities, chances can’t be taken. Instead, Willie Randolph has to rely on a set of veterans whose inconsistency has driven fans, not just me, Deb and Peter, to distraction. Jorge Sosa, Guillermo Mota, Pedro Feliciano, Scott Schoeneweis, Joe Smith, Aaron Sele, Dave Williams, and Aaron Heilman will have to carry the load. A shame really, since I like what I’ve seen from Willie Collazo and Phil Humber.
They are reacting to the bullpen’s woes by calling up AA pitcher Carlos Muniz, who went 2-4 with a 2.45 ERA and 23 saves at Binghamton. His numbers look good but he’s never been the Big Leagues as yet and may be too little too late.
This is a team that has to be practically perfect for the remaining 10 games when they are better known as sloppy and unfocused. While the Yankees continue to inch closer to yet another post-season appearance, the Mets, who have been in first most of the season, are fighting for their lives rather than coasting.
I remain cautiously optimistic than can fend off the Phillies’, who have a slightly tougher schedule and facing scarier starters than the Mets. While I gotta believe, I remain very, very concerned.
Posted by Bob Greenberger at 12:30 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
September 20, 2007
Taking a Half Day Off
Since I’ve been home, I treat Monday through Friday like a work week. I’m at the desk in the morning through dinnertime with a break for lunch. I occasionally extend lunch to run errands, like I would were I still in the city. As I’ve written here recently, I now use the weekend as real, honest-to-goodness down time.
So yesterday was a treat.
I knocked off work a little after three and drove to Long Island. Accompanying me was Robbie along with Susan and Marina Olson, friends from further upstate. We were headed for the home of the Long Island Ducks, the baseball team in the same league as my local Bridgeport Bluefish. The reason for this was we had all been invited to attend as guests at Ariel David’s Sweet 16.
Ariel and her family enjoy going to these games for much the same reason I like the Bluefish. They’re convenient, they’re affordable and it’s fun seeing familiar major leaguers now in another phase of their playing careers. The Ducks boasts some very familiar former Mets such as Edgardo Alfonzo, Bill Pulsipher and even Danny Graves. Carl Everett is on this roster as is Jamie Pogue and a bunch of others. One of the most popular players is P.J. Rose, son of Pete.
The Ducks were playing the Newark Bears for a best of three series, the winner advancing to the next round of playoffs. The previous night, the Bears had won so this was a must-win game for the team.
Peter and Kathleen had secured a luxury suite for the party so we had a living room available to us, plenty of finely catered food and then, just passed the sliding glass doors, fifteen seats along the third base line. Most of the adults watched the game, pausing between innings to hit the room for food and to check the Mets game playing on the television (talk about must-win games).
The kids played around, jabbering away despite many meeting for the first time. They left us to go try the Speed Pitch and returned informing us, with great glee, that Jessie, the sixth grader, pitched better than Robbie. When Robbie and Kyle began quoting Monty Python routines from memory we knew we lost them for the night (although Peter did offer corrections from his seat). However, despite the fun, all claimed to have actually watched the game in bits and pieces.
The Ducks lost 302, bringing their season to a disappointing close.
But, given the fine weather, great food and terrific company, none of us seemed to mind all that much. Ariel certainly seemed to enjoy her Sweet 16 and after all, that was what counted the most.
Posted by Bob Greenberger at 11:07 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 16, 2007
Hitting the Campaign Trail
And we’re off.
Yesterday as the rains ended and the sun burned through the haze, District 8 began campaigning for re-election. At first, I teamed with Larry Kaley and then added Allen Marks as we went door to door, introducing ourselves, handing out flyers and taking notes as issues got raised.
One of the two streets we canvassed yesterday was Allen’s home street so he knew everyone and there was a tremendous amount of chatting going on which was good but also slowed us down. As a result, despite three hours at this, I managed a mere two streets. We’re in a dense district which doesn’t help so 2 down and lots to go.
I just got back from walking three more streets closer to home. The first block and a half was a breeze. No one answered at a single home during that stretch. I merely jotted a note on our brochure and left it behind.
Then I hit a bunch of homes with people around. One couple, seniors, had plenty to say on a few issues. I listened, took notes for upper management and had a fairly nice exchange. Several others shook my hand, wished me well but had no thoughts or concerns about the town. Then there were others with specific concerns so chatted about those for a few minutes.
After two hours, I had covered far more ground which felt better. As far as local politics goes, walking the district is the most effective way of getting seen and hearing what’s on people’s minds. For those state office candidates who manage to somehow walk their entire distracts, I remain favorably impressed.
District 8 is almost evenly Republican and Democrat with some 1600 unaffiliated voters who will sway the election. With five Democrats and three Republicans running, it means two of us will win easily. Of the five incumbents, three are running so it’s likely of the two Democrats to automatically win, it’s likely to be two of us. Beyond that, who knows which way it will go?
Posted by Bob Greenberger at 04:15 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
September 13, 2007
Juggling
The nice thing about having multiple projects at once is that as you draft one you can easily put it aside and tackle the next thing on your list. This way, when it’s time to actually polish and deliver the first project, some days have passed and you can assess the work with fresh eyes.
At least that’s the theory.
Since Labor Day, I have managed drafts on The Avenger, Zorro and Christina Aguilera and am looping back to finish these before moving on to the Star Trek: TNG eBook. Interestingly, the expected word count on this one is more than the three shorter works combined. Should be nice to have a little more elbow room.
Meantime, a media tie-in anthology finally got back to me with a “thanks, but no thanks” note. The editor was very gracious and gave me and my co-writer good notes as to why neither pitch was accepted.
On the other hand, I was invited to pitch to a non-fiction anthology that will have me put my historian’s hat on and that could be fun.
I remain hopeful that something long-term will turn up soon since I’m finally catching up on all my commitments.
Posted by Bob Greenberger at 10:13 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 11, 2007
Question for the Readers
I find my comic book reading diet to be almost exclusively titles from DC and Marvel with a smattering from IDW. Now that Strangers in Paradise is over, I seem not to have anything on my pull list from the non-majors except Amelia Rules.
What's out that, not from DC (Vertigo, WildStorm, CMX, et, al.) or Marvel that you find personally satisfying and wish to recommend?
Also, which web comics are worth a look?
Thanks in advance for your participation.
Posted by Bob Greenberger at 09:14 AM | Comments (10) | TrackBack
September 09, 2007
Rediscovering the Weekend
When you have a day job, freelance work tends to occur at night but largely it consumes the weekend. You rush through chores, skim the paper and before you know it, you’re at the desk and pounding away.
With my big project done, I actually have regained my weekends and I have come to realize how much I enjoy it. It’s restful for me and for Deb since we actually get to spend time together.
Yesterday, rather than write, I spent the morning building tents and climbing ladders to help set up the Church’s annual picnic. I spent the afternoon running errands with Deb, most of which had to do with getting more stuff she needs for her new home office. This morning was laundry, desk stuff (paying bills, etc.) and then the gym. A brief stop at the Democratic headquarters then home for more laundry, some lunch, and once this is posted, I’m going upstairs to…read.
Reading books and magazines has become problematic – not enough time, too much to read. Having time to read has been cut in half during the week but maybe I can pick up some time now.
Now, it won't always be so relaxed. After all, I need to hit the streets and start campaigning or visit with friends or paint the downstairs bedroom before moving Kate's stuff into it. There's always something when you're a home owner as well.
And then tomorrow morning, I can return to the desk, refreshed and resume my life as a coffee-swilling, pretzel-munching troll.
Posted by Bob Greenberger at 02:55 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
September 07, 2007
At Harbor Yard
About ten minutes from my house is Harbor Yard, a lovely 5000 seat baseball stadium, home to the independent Atlantic League’s Bridgeport Bluefish. The team has been in existence for ten years now and early on, we went several times a year since it was cheap, convenient and fun.
With time, we went less often, as did many locals and as a result, attendance which used to average in excess of 3000 patrons a game is done well below 2000. The team used to be very competitive in the league and that has also been degraded.
However, when my old pal Brian Augustyn called me the other night to invite me for a guy’s night at the stadium, I eagerly went. He had been gifted with four tickets and his family had other commitments so he got to bring his chums and he kindly thought of me.
Having not been to the park in ages, I took it all in. There’s not a bad seat in the place but out third row seating along the first baseline were outstanding (and a mere $14 each!). Upon arrival, we received a Bluefish travel mug and various promotions occurred between innings as people fell over themselves to give things away. It was also Thirsty Thursday so all drinks and popcorn were half-price.
The night before, the Bluefish were mathematically eliminated from contention, and maybe that had something to do with it. Or maybe it was a Thursday night and suddenly that mattered, it was a school night. Still, the announced crowd was 1299 but I swear there weren’t more than 1000 people in the place. Among them were the co-owners who had the first row seats next to the Bluefish dugout, just in front of us. It’s nice to see them chatting with the fans, the players and intently cheering the team on.
Many major leaguers wind up playing their final years in independent leagues such as this one and it’s always interesting to see them up close and personal. Last night, though, the only big name I recognized was Alan Zinter; a former Mets first round draft selection that played for a few big league teams, had a few cups of coffee and faded from memory. His .267 average in this league was certainly an indication his potential was never realized. The Bluefish are managed by veteran pitcher Tommy John, best known today for the surgery named after him. His hitting coach is former Atlanta Braves player Terry McGriff.
The Bluefish blasted open the game fairly early and went on to win 12-2, with the starter scattering seven hits across eight innings. They hit the ball with authority, did some smart base running, and the defense was above average.
But the game felt listless. It felt long (but finished in under three hours, like the big leagues). It lacked energy and it had everything to do with the paltry attendance. Even those of us cheering them on couldn’t muster enough force to jazz each other on and make some real baseball noise.
The only player who seemed to really connect with the audience was catcher Sandy DeLeon who has the habit of calling out the number of outs first to the fielders then to the audience. In fact, it’s gotten into a routine as fans begin calling out, “How many out?” And three times he tells those to his right and then three times to the left. Apparently, he’s been doing this for years, but this season actually got tossed from a game by an umpire who tired of it and felt he was being shown up.
As the game ended we were all handed plastic Bluefish bags filled with advertising literature from locals businesses, most of which seemed to fill the trash bins outside the stadium long before anyone got to their cars.
The company was terrific. The food good, cheap and filling. The weather was pleasant, a cool breeze coming off Long Island Sound. You couldn’t ask for a better night out – even the home team won!
Posted by Bob Greenberger at 09:48 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
September 05, 2007
Back to Fiction
After months and months of writing short work, nothing usually more than 1000-2000 words sometimes, it takes time to get back up to speed on longer work.
This morning, after chores and the like, I sat down to work on The Avenger short story. It had been so long since I had researched his world and wrote the outline; I first had to re-read my notes and outline before writing a single new word. Then, realizing I set it in 1940, needed to check certain details to avoid anachronisms and got a little sidetracked reading up on April 1940, very little of which actually found its way into the story.
I had a 5000 word limit and after discovering Captain Midnight came in at 50% over that, I knew I had to go for terse. When finally ready, I put on some jazz and started writing.
First of all, it felt really good to be writing fiction again. Secondly, it felt good to be doing something than that other project just for the change of pace.
A short while ago, the first draft was finished and weighed in at 3700 words. Now I know I can come back to this in a day or so and add stuff as I polish. All in all, not a bad day’s output.
Posted by Bob Greenberger at 04:48 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 04, 2007
Laboring on Labor Day
Some people use the three days known as Labor Day Weekend and avoid actual labor in favor of a last gasp of summer fun. Others use it to tackle projects a normal weekend is too short to complete.
We seem to have opted for the latter and then some.
Prepping Kate’s bedroom to become Deb’s new home office took longer than expected. We miscalculated and primed the room using an oil-based primer that meant it needed days, not hours, to properly cure. Finally, last Wednesday, we resumed work as I painted the ceiling. On Friday, we got a jump on the long weekend by painting the walls with a coat of color in the morning and a second coat late in the day.
As a result, I figured we’d finish the rest and still have time for some rest and relaxation. I was very, very wrong.
Saturday had us up and painting early, as Deb got to work on apply paint to the trim. Later, I headed to the backyard with the three louvered bi-fold doors and primed them. Around this time, she also decided we really should take advantage of the opportunity and paint the closets. So, she completed the trim then primed the three closets, which of course prompted her to decide we needed to replace the flooring in the walk-in closet. By dinnertime, we were pretty tired so went to the movies where we could sit without interruption. We chose No Reservations which I enjoyed a lot. It’s not perfect and rather predictable but it was well shot and well acted. I also decided it was one of the first romantic dramadies I can think of.
On Sunday, I spent the morning painting one side of the three doors and let them bake in the sun while I ran to the gym. Later, I managed to get the second side done while Deb got all three closets painted. She and Robbie also ran out to pick up new flooring and other odds and ends the room needed. That included renting a carpet shampooer which we used on the room once everything else was done. Once again, this was a long and tiring day so once more we retreated to the movies. Robbie joined us to see The Bourne Ultimatum, which was a most satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. Matt Damon and company were all pretty terrific and while the action sequence editing left something to be desired, the movie began at full speed and never let up which I appreciated.
The final day of the weekend saw the painting gear being put away. Now it came for time to inhabit it. We tore up the vinyl flooring, swept and cleaned it out. While Deb installed the new flooring, Robbie and I began moving things upstairs. Her desk was wide and heavy and took a lot of ingenuity to get it upstairs and then through the doorway. Her worktable was narrower but heavier and that involved all three of us moving it up. A new secretary we bought at Ikea turned out to be missing a few screws so work on assembling it had to stop until they could mail out replacements. We moved the actual office stuff first, then the computer gear and then some of her crafts. As Deb reconnected everything, Robbie moved all the furniture back into the Family Room (which we shampooed after coming home from the movies so it could dry overnight) while I shampooed the Master Bedroom, Robbie’s room and the hallway. In between, we ran out for a wireless card and I got some writing for a website that was due this morning.
Again, by dinner time, all three of us were worn out so we through dinner on the grill and collapsed on the couches for an evening of television watching.
So, this morning, Deb went upstairs to her office, I retreated to my office in the basement and we’re back to work. Sure, there’s more to move up and more to organize but she can work which was the goal.
I have to say, it’s satisfying how much we got done over the last few days. It’s even more satisfying being at my desk and writing once again, and writing about a variety of things.
Posted by Bob Greenberger at 01:20 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
September 02, 2007
Let's go Mets
I love my New York Mets, but boy are they maddening.
For a team that has pretty much been in first place all season long, they haven’t really played like champions. Instead, they can’t seem to string together more than four wins in a row and prove inconsistent up and down the line-up. The good news for the latter is that when someone is sucking, say a guy named Carlos, someone else is carrying the load (thank you David Wright).
The bullpen, which helped them all last season, hurt them all this season. I remain surprised Omar Minaya did not make an August 31 deal to bolster the bullpen. After trading for Jeff Conine and grabbing Marlon Anderson off the scrap heap, the bench is in terrific shape.
The starting rotation has also been uneven and as good as Oliver Perez has been most of the season, now is not the time for him to falter. With Pedro Martinez back as of tomorrow, and if he’s really ready to pitch in the Big Leagues, then the rotation is substantially improved even with El Duque now injured.
The low point had to be the four game sweep by the Phillies this past week but thankfully they bounced back to take the first two against Atlanta. It could have sucked the energy from them and let them give up the lead but they remain there with a three game cushion. I wish it were seven, but I’ll take what I can get.
Around the majors we have some exciting races for division and wild card slots so September will be anything but boring and I can safely say my guys will turn up in the psot-season.
Posted by Bob Greenberger at 02:41 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack